Image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus control method, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus wirelessly communicates with an information processing apparatus without passing through an access point, provides a print service in which predetermined printing is performed in response to a print request from the information processing apparatus via a wireless communication unit, and enables a setting that is used for providing the print service if the setting is disabled when the information processing apparatus establishes communication with the image processing apparatus via the wireless communication unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an imageprocessing apparatus control method, and a storage medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

When a wireless LAN that complies with the IEEE802.11 series ofstandards (hereinafter called as the wireless LAN) is used, there aremany settings to be set before use. Thus, an automatic setting methodfor easily setting communication parameters in a wireless device isproposed. For example, the association called Wi-Fi Alliance hasdeveloped a standard for a method for automatically settingcommunication parameters termed a Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS). JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2010-41666 discloses a device that providescommunication parameters appropriate for a terminal device byidentifying a device type of the terminal device in automatic settingprotocol processing for the communication parameters by means of theWPS. According to the WPS, communication between a wireless device andthe access point is performed so that the communication parameters areautomatically set. In the WPS method, a method is proposed in whichdevices can be wirelessly connected peer-to-peer by incorporating theaccess point in one of the two devices. This method has been developedas a standard termed Wi-Fi Direct® by Wi-Fi Alliance. Recently, a systemis becoming into general use in which a user utilizes an imageprocessing apparatus through an information processing apparatus such asa smart phone or a tablet by connecting the information processingapparatus to the image processing apparatus by means of the Wi-FiDirect®.

When the Wi-Fi Direct® is used, the information processing apparatus andthe image processing apparatus are connected peer-to-peer for utilizingprint functions provided in the image processing apparatus throughinformation processing apparatus by a user. However, when functions(such as a search protocol or a printing protocol) that are used by theinformation processing apparatus for printing are disabled in the imageprocessing apparatus side, a user cannot execute printing even ifwireless connection is successful despite the success of the wirelessconnection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The image processing apparatus of the present invention automaticallyenables settings that an image processing apparatus uses for provisionof an image processing service in which image processing is executedupon wireless communication with the information processing apparatuswhen the settings are not enabled.

The image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is capable ofcommunicating with an information processing apparatus by wirelesscommunication. The image processing apparatus includes a wirelesscommunication unit configured to directly communicate with theinformation processing apparatus by wireless communication withoutpassing through an access point; a providing unit configured to providea service in which image processing is executed in response to an imageprocessing request transmitted from the information processing apparatusvia the wireless communication unit; and an enabling unit configured toenable a setting in the image processing and that is used for providingthe service. When the information processing apparatus establishescommunication with the image processing apparatus via the wirelesscommunication unit, the enabling unit enables the setting that is usedfor providing the service if the setting is not enabled.

According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention,the image processing apparatus can automatically enable settings that animage processing apparatus uses for provision of an image processingservice in which image processing is executed upon wirelesscommunication with the information processing apparatus when thesettings are not enabled.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary hardware configurations of an informationprocessing apparatus and an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary software configuration of an informationprocessing apparatus and an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates processing for searching an information processingapparatus and automatically setting communication parameters.

FIG. 4 illustrates processing for enabling a print function using anSSID by an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is processing for disconnecting wireless connection with aninformation processing apparatus by an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a WPS message that an image processingapparatus receives from information processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 illustrates processing for enabling a print function using a WPSmessage by an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an extended WPS message received by animage processing apparatus.

FIG. 9 illustrates TLV structured data in a vendor extended region of aWPS message.

FIG. 10 illustrates a variety of screen examples displayed on a screenof an information processing apparatus upon print request.

FIG. 11 illustrates a variety of screen examples displayed on a screenof an information processing apparatus upon fax request.

FIG. 12 illustrates exemplary setting processing of TLV structured databy an information processing apparatus.

FIG. 13 illustrates processing for enabling a print function using anextended WPS message by an image processing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows exemplary hardware configurations of an informationprocessing apparatus and an image processing apparatus of the presentembodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a controlunit 101, an operation unit 102, and a display unit 103. The controlunit 101 of the information processing apparatus includes a CPU 110, aRAM 111, a ROM 112, an operation unit I/F (an operation unit interface)113, a display unit I/F (a display unit interface) 114, and a networkI/F (a network interface) 115. The respective processing units of thecontrol unit 101 are connected with each other via a system bus 116. Thenetwork I/F 115 connects to a network I/F 134 of an image processingapparatus 120 to thereby wirelessly communicate with the imageprocessing apparatus 120. “CPU” is an abbreviation for CentralProcessing Unit. “RAM” is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.“ROM” is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.

The CPU 110 reads out various programs stored in the ROM 112 into theRAM 111, and analyzes them to thereby execute various processes. The ROM112 stores a control program for controlling operation by theinformation processing apparatus 100, and the CPU 110 executes thecontrol program to thereby control overall operation by the informationprocessing apparatus 100. Also, the ROM 112 stores a program forconnection to the image processing apparatus 120, and the CPU 110executes the program so that the information processing apparatus 100connects to the image processing apparatus 120. Also, the ROM 112 storesa program with which the information processing apparatus 100automatically sets wireless communication parameters, and the CPU 110executes the program so that the information processing apparatus 100automatically sets the wireless communication parameters.

The image processing apparatus 120 includes a control unit 121, anoperation unit 122, and a printer unit 123. The control unit 121 of theimage processing apparatus 120 includes a CPU 131, a RAM 132, a ROM 136,a NVRAM 137, an operation unit I/F 133, a network I/F 134, an image busI/F 138, and a FAX I/F 150. The respective processing units areconnected with each other via a system bus 139. The network I/F 134connects to the network I/F 115 of the information processing apparatus100 to thereby wirelessly communicate with the image processingapparatus 120. The FAX I/F 150 transmits data received from theinformation processing apparatus 100 through the network I/F 134 to anexternal devices.

The control unit 121 of the image processing apparatus 120 includes aRIP 140, a device I/F 141, an image processing unit 142, and an imagebus I/F 138. The respective processing units of the control unit 121 areconnected with each other via an image bus 143. The image bus I/F 138 isan interface for connecting the system bus 139 to the image bus 143 thattransfers image data at high speed, and operates as a bus bridge thatconverts a data structure. The image bus 143 is a transmission path forexchanging image data, and is constituted by a PCI bus or an IEEE1 394.The RIP (Raster Image Processor) 140, the device I/F 141, and the imageprocessing unit 142 are connected to the image bus 143. The RIP 140generates a raster image based on a DL (DisplayList) that the CPU 131converts, and generates print data received from the network I/F 134.The device I/F 141 is an interface that connects the printer unit 123 tothe control unit 121, and converts image data bysynchronous/asynchronous methods and temporarily retains input/outputdata with a buffer memory (not shown). The image processing unit 142performs processing such as color conversion, filter processing, andresolution conversion with respect to image data that is output to theprinter unit 123.

Next, a description will be given of software function block diagrams ofthe information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatusof the present embodiment with reference to FIG. 2. The CPU 110 and CPU131 provided in the information processing apparatus 100 and the imageprocessing apparatus 120 realize the respective functions by executingthe respective control programs.

The information processing apparatus 100 includes a communicationparameter autoconfiguration unit 201, an access point controlling unit206, a packet transmitting unit 207, a packet receiving unit 208, anetwork controlling unit 209, a search protocol controlling unit 210,and a printing protocol controlling unit 211. The communicationparameter autoconfiguration unit 201 includes an automatic settingcontrol unit 202, a communication parameter setting unit 203, and acommunication parameter providing unit 204.

The communication parameter setting unit 203 performs processing fordeciding communication parameters by executing the WPS. Thecommunication parameter setting unit 203 automatically setscommunication parameters such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) thatis an identifier of an access point, an encryption method, an encryptionkey, and an authentication method that are required for wireless LANcommunication. Also, the communication parameter setting unit 203 setsextension data about validation for attributes or a print function ofthe information processing apparatus 100 in the WPS message. In otherwords, the communication parameter setting unit 203 functions as asetting unit that sets communication parameters for realizing provisionof a print service that performs a predetermined print service by theimage processing apparatus.

The access point controlling unit 206 controls connections to wirelessdevices such as the image processing apparatus 120 as an access point.The packet transmitting unit 207 transmits packets concerning variouscommunications. The packet receiving unit 208 receives packetsconcerning various communications. The network controlling unit 209controls the connection to the network by wireless communication and thelike and disconnection from the network and the like. The printingprotocol controlling unit 211 performs a protocol control of anInternetPrintingProtocol (IPP), which is a printing protocol. The IPP isused by the information processing apparatus 100 for transmitting animage to the image processing apparatus 120 when a user selects an imagewith the information processing apparatus 100 and requests printing. Inother words, the printing protocol controlling unit 211 functions as atransmission unit that transmits a printing request. The search protocolcontrolling unit 210 functions as a search unit, and performs protocolcontrol of a multicastDNS (mDNS), which is a device search protocol. ThemDNS is used when the information processing apparatus 100 requestssearching for image processing apparatuses that have an IPP function.

The communication parameter autoconfiguration unit 201 controls variousprotocols in automatic setting processing of the communicationparameter. The automatic setting control unit 202 controls thecommunication parameter setting unit 203 and the communication parameterproviding unit 204 to thereby realize the automatic setting processingof communication parameters as described hereinafter. The communicationparameter setting unit 203 sets communication parameters that areprovided to other devices. The communication parameter providing unit204 provides the communication parameters set by the communicationparameter setting unit 203 to other devices.

The image processing apparatus 120 includes a communication parameterautoconfiguration unit 221, a communication parameter analyzing unit226, an SSID analyzing unit 227, a packet transmitting unit 228, apacket receiving unit 229, and a network controlling unit 230. Also, theimage processing apparatus 120 includes a search protocol controllingunit 231 and a printing protocol controlling unit 232. The communicationparameter autoconfiguration unit 221 includes an automatic settingcontrol unit 222, a communication parameter setting unit 223, and acommunication parameter providing unit 224.

The automatic setting control unit 222 of the communication parameterautoconfiguration unit 221 controls overall the communication parameterautoconfiguration unit. The automatic setting control unit 222communicates with the information processing apparatus 100 to therebyautomatically set communication parameters. Also, the communicationparameter setting unit 223 automatically sets communication parameterssuch as an SSID that is a network identifier, an encryption method, anencryption key, or authentication method which are required for wirelessLAN communication.

The communication parameter analyzing unit 226 performs processing foranalyzing the communication parameters set in the WPS message to therebydecide functions that are enabled in the image processing apparatus. TheSSID analyzing unit 227 performs processing for analyzing the SSID tothereby decide functions that are enabled in the image processingapparatus. The packet transmitting unit 228 transmits packets related tovarious communications. The packet receiving unit 229 receives packetsrelated to various communications. The network controlling unit 230controls connection to the network, disconnection from the network andthe like. The search protocol controlling unit 231 performs a protocolcontrol of a multicastDNS (mDNS), which is a device search protocol. Thesearch protocol controlling unit 231 responds to the informationprocessing apparatus 100 upon receipt of a search request for imageprocessing apparatuses that can communicate by wireless communication.The printing protocol controlling unit 232 performs a protocol controlof an InternetPrintingProtocol (IPP), which is a printing protocol. TheFAX protocol controlling unit 233 performs a facsimile protocol control.The printing protocol controlling unit 232 and the FAX protocolcontrolling unit 233 control the respective protocols to thereby providean image processing service for performing image processing selected bya user.

Next, a description will be given of automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters by wireless communication in the presentembodiment with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a sequencediagram between the information processing apparatus 100 and the imageprocessing apparatus 12. This sequence between the informationprocessing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 120generally consists of access point searching processing (F300), wirelessconnection establishing processing (F303), and automatic settingprocessing of communication parameters (F306). The following aredescriptions of each process. When instructed to initiate of automaticsetting processing of communication parameters, the image processingapparatus 120 searches an access point that can execute the automaticsetting processing of communication parameters. Specifically, when auser presses a button and the like and a setting of wirelesscommunication is enabled via the operation unit 122 of the imageprocessing apparatus 120, the automatic setting control unit 222initiates searching for the access point by broadcast. The imageprocessing apparatus 120 transmits a probe request (F301) for searchingfor an access point that can execute the automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters.

When instructed to initiate the automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters by a user operation, the information processingapparatus 100 similarly places itself in a state in which it awaitsaccessing the embedded access point. Upon receipt of the probe request(F301), the automatic setting control unit 201 of the informationprocessing apparatus 100 analyzes the probe request. The communicationparameter setting unit 203 sets a probe response (F302), in whichadditional information indicating that the automatic setting processingof communication parameters is executable, is added based on an analysisresult by the automatic setting control unit 202. The communicationparameter providing unit 204 passes the probe response (F302) via thepacket transmitting unit 207 to the image processing apparatus 120.Here, an SSID is included in the probe response passed from thecommunication parameter providing unit 204. The automatic settingcontrol unit 222 of the image processing apparatus 120 receives andanalyzes the probe response (F302) to thereby recognize that theinformation processing apparatus 100 can execute the automatic settingprocessing of communication parameters. When the information processingapparatus 100 has not instructed initiating the automatic settingprocessing of communication parameters, the automatic setting controlunit 202 passes the probe response without adding the additionalinformation indicating that the automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters is executable.

Next, the SSID analyzing unit 227 of the image processing apparatus 120receives and analyzes the SSID included in the probe response (F302)from the automatic setting control unit 222. When the SSID coincideswith a character string stored in a storage device (not shown), the SSIDanalyzing unit 227 transmits an association request (F304) forperforming association so that the automatic setting control unit 222temporally wirelessly connects to the information processing apparatus100. The character string is described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 4. Upon receipt of the association request (F304), the automaticsetting control unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 100returns an association response (F305) to thereby complete association.Even if the SSID coincides with the stored character string, normal datacommunication cannot be achieved at the stage of completion of theassociation since an encryption key and the like does not coincide.

The automatic setting control unit 222 of the image processing apparatus120 initiates the automatic setting protocol processing of thecommunication parameters with the information processing apparatus 100by using an EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) packet. The EAPpacket is a packet by which communication between a providing apparatusand a receiving apparatus can be established without cryptographicprocessing, authentication processing and the like. The automaticsetting protocol processing of the communication parameters is initiatedwhen the communication parameter setting unit 223 sets the EAP packetand transmits an initiation message (F307) via the packet transmittingunit 228.

Upon receipt of the initiation message for the automatic settingprotocol processing of the communication parameter, the automaticsetting control unit 202 transmits an EAP Request packet (F308) to theimage processing apparatus 120 to thereby initiate the negotiation ofcommunication parameters. Upon receipt of the EAP Request packet (F308),the automatic setting control unit 202 transmits an EAP Response packet(F309) to the information processing apparatus 100. Transmitting andreceiving of the EAP Request packet and the EAP Response packet arerepeated so that the automatic setting of the communication parametercan be realized without the access point. In other words, the automaticsetting control unit 222 functions as a wireless communication unit thatdirectly and wirelessly communicates with the information processingapparatus without the access point. The automatic setting control unit202 also functions as a wireless communication unit that directly andwirelessly communicates with the image processing apparatus without theaccess point. Although a description is given of an embodiment in whichthe information processing apparatus 100 includes the access point, theimage processing apparatus 120 may include the access point. In thatcase, a search for the access point is initiated from the informationprocessing apparatus 100 side. The automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters is available from both the informationprocessing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 120.

In the automatic setting processing of communication parameters (F306),encryption processing of a communication path for providing thecommunication parameter, authentication processing for determiningwhether or not the communication parameters can be provided, and thelike are performed. Hence, various messages for performing theaforementioned processing are transmitted and received between the imageprocessing apparatus 120 and the information processing apparatus 100.Equipment information of the information processing apparatus 100 isincluded in all or a portion of each message transmitted from theinformation processing apparatus 100. Such equipment informationincludes a model name, an OS version, vendor extension data and thelike. A model name of the access point (such as AbcSmartPhone) is set inthe model name. For example, AbcOS1.0 is set in the OS version. Datadefined by a vendor (such as IPP-PRINT=ON, mDNS=ON) is set in the vendorextension data. The details of the vendor extension data are describedas hereinafter in the third embodiment. That is, the image processingapparatus 120 can acquire the equipment information of the informationprocessing apparatus 100 by performing the automatic setting processingof communication parameters (F306).

(First Embodiment)

A configuration for enabling predetermined functions by use of the SSIDinformation will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The imageprocessing apparatus 120 and the information processing apparatus 100 inthe present embodiment can communicate with each other by wirelesscommunication. With reference to FIG. 4, a description will be given ofthe processing flow when the image processing apparatus 120 in thepresent embodiment wirelessly connects to the information processingapparatus 100 by using a Wi-Fi Direct®. The processing flow is executedby the control unit 121 of the image processing apparatus 120.

In S401, when the image processing apparatus 120 is currently wirelesslyconnected, the automatic setting control unit 222 backs up an SSIDcurrently used for connecting to the NVRAM 137 of the image processingapparatus 120. That is, when the image processing apparatus 120wirelessly connects to a plurality of user devices via the wireless LAN,it is required for the image processing apparatus 120 to disconnect thewireless connection by the wireless LAN in order to communicate with theinformation processing apparatus 100 peer-to-peer. Hence, the automaticsetting control unit 222 of the image processing apparatus 120 backs upthe SSID that is an identifier of the currently wirelessly connectedaccess point to the NVRAM 137. In S402, the automatic setting controlunit 222 performs the access point searching processing (F300) describedwith reference to FIG. 3. The automatic setting control unit 222acquires, from the information processing apparatus 100, an SSID asidentification information for identifying the information processingapparatus by transmitting a probe request. In S403, the SSID analyzingunit 227 compares whether or not the SSID acquired from the automaticsetting control unit 222 coincides with a predefined character string(such as AbcSmartPhone_AP) stored in the storage unit. “Predefinedcharacter string” denotes a character string indicating an SSID of aspecific information processing apparatus. “Specific informationprocessing apparatus” denotes an information processing apparatus thathas functions for connecting to the image processing apparatus by meansof the Wi-Fi Direct® function, and using the image processing apparatusby means of an IPP-Print function and an mDNS function.

In S404, when the SSID analyzing unit 227 determines that the characterstring does not coincide with the acquired SSID, the automatic settingcontrol unit 222 terminates processing. In S404, when the SSID analyzingunit 227 determines that the character string coincides with theacquired SSID, the automatic setting control unit 222 backs up thecurrent IPP-Print setting to the NVRAM 137 in S405. In S406, theautomatic setting control unit 222 determines whether or not theIPP-Print function is enabled. The enabled state of the IPP-Printfunction indicates a state in which printing can be executed with theIPP, whereas the disabled state of the IPP-Print function indicates astate in which printing cannot be executed with the IPP. In S407, whenthe IPP-Print function is disabled, the automatic setting control unit222 enables the IPP-Print function.

Next, the automatic setting control unit 222 backs up the current mDNSsetting to the NVRAM 137 in S408. In S409, the automatic setting controlunit 222 determines whether or not an mDNS function is valid. Theenabled state of the mDNS function indicates a state in which searchingwith the mDNS is available, whereas the disabled state of the mDNSfunction indicates a state in which searching with the mDNS is notavailable. In S410, the automatic setting control unit 222 enables themDNS when the mDNS is disabled. In other words, the automatic settingcontrol unit 222 functions as an enabling unit and enables the IPP-Printfunction and the mDNS function when the IPP-Print function and/or themDNS function are disabled. Also, the printing protocol controlling unit232 and the search protocol controlling unit 231 function as a providingunit and provide a predetermined print service in response to theinformation processing apparatus when the IPP-Print function and themDNS function are enabled.

It is assumed that the period of validity is preset in enablingprocessing of the IPP-Print function and the mDNS function. In general,the image processing apparatus having the LAN function is used by aplurality of users through the LAN. Thus, it is desirable to set theperiod of validity with respect to the period during connection with thespecific information processing apparatus peer-to-peer. Any period ofvalidity may be set as the period of validity as long as the imageprocessing apparatus can execute printing after receiving a printrequest from the specific information processing apparatus.

In the aforementioned processing, the image processing apparatus 120receives the SSID from the information processing apparatus 100 in theaccess point searching processing (F300). Then, when the settings suchas the IPP-Print function, the mDNS function used for provision of printservice or the like is disabled upon wireless connection, the imageprocessing apparatus 120 can automatically enable those settings byusing the received SSID.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, processing when the image processingapparatus 120 disconnects a wireless connection to the informationprocessing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment by use of the Wi-FiDirect®, and resumes wireless connection to the access point that theimage processing apparatus 120 originally has connected will beexplained. The processing flow is executed by the control unit 121 ofthe image processing apparatus 120.

In S501, the automatic setting control unit 222 of the image processingapparatus 120 deactivates wireless communication to the informationprocessing apparatus 100. In S502, the automatic setting control unit222 reads a backup of the IPP-Print setting from the NVRAM 137. In S503,the automatic setting control unit 222 determines whether or not theread IPP-Print setting is a disable setting. When the read IPP-Printsetting is the disable setting, the automatic setting control unit 222disables the IPP-Print setting in S504. Next, the automatic settingcontrol unit 222 reads a backup of the mDNS setting from the NVRAM 137in S505. In S506, the automatic setting control unit 222 determineswhether or not the read mDNS setting is a disable setting. When the readmDNS setting is the disable setting, the automatic setting control unit222 disables the mDNS setting in S507. Next, the automatic settingcontrol unit 222 reads a backup of the SSID from the NVRAM 137 in S508.When the backup of the SSID is present, the automatic setting controlunit 222 connects to the access point with the backed up SSID in S509.In S510, the automatic setting control unit 222 deletes the backup ofthe SSID.

In the aforementioned processing, although the IPP-Print setting and themDNS setting are described as an example, settings to be enabled are notlimited thereto. Those skilled in the art can conceive that any settingsare enabled as long as the image processing apparatus can provide bywireless communication. Naturally, processing is not limited toprocessing in which the mDNS setting is enabled after the IPP-Printsetting is enabled, and each setting may be enabled in any processingorder.

Also, as described above, it is postulated that the image processingapparatus having the LAN function is used by a plurality of usersthrough the LAN. In such environment, the image processing apparatus ismanaged by connecting to a specific access point that intermediatesaccess to the LAN for connecting to the LAN. In this environment, whenthe image processing apparatus wirelessly connects to the informationprocessing apparatus 100 by the Wi-Fi Direct®, the plurality of userscannot connect to the LAN since the access point for connection ischanged as described with FIG. 4. Hence, when the image processingapparatus 120 deactivates the wireless connection to the informationprocessing apparatus 100 by the Wi-Fi Direct®, it promptly reconnects tothe access point to which the image processing apparatus 120 hasoriginally connected in order to connect to the LAN as described withFIG. 5. In this arrangement, a user who has originally used the imageprocessing apparatus through the LAN can continuously uses the imageprocessing apparatus through the LAN.

With reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the description of processing wasgiven in which the IPP-Print function and the mDNS function weretemporarily enabled for enhancing the convenience. Here, peer-to-peerconnection is performed in the Wi-Fi Direct®. Thus, an embodiment can beconceived in which security functions held by the image processingapparatus are disabled during Wi-Fi Direct® connection so thatunnecessary security processing is omitted and processing capabilitiesof the image processing apparatus are improved. For example, an IPsecfunction, an IP filter function, and an SSL function are conceived asthe security functions.

In the first embodiment, when the SSID of the access point which theimage processing apparatus 120 accessed coincides with the predeterminedvalue, the image processing apparatus 120 enables the prescribedfunctions, resulting in enhanced convenience.

(Second Embodiment)

In the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus uses the SSID inthe access point searching processing (F300), and the predeterminedfunctions used in the print service are enabled. In the secondembodiment, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a configuration isdescribed in which the predetermined functions are enabled by use ofexisting data included in a WPS message. In the automatic settingprocessing of communication parameters (F306) shown in FIG. 3, aplurality of attributes (reference numeral 601 in FIG. 6) in the WAPmessage transmitted from the communication parameter autoconfigurationunit 201 of the information processing apparatus 100. The following is adescription of specific data stored in the respective attributes. Dataindicating a message type is stored in “Message Type”. A serial numberof a wireless apparatus is stored in “Serial Number”. A model name ofthe wireless apparatus is stored in “Model Name”. An OS version of thewireless apparatus is stored in “OS Version”. In addition to these,various attribute data required for the negotiation of communicationparameters are stored.

With reference to FIG. 7, a description will be given of the processingflow when the image processing apparatus 120 in the second embodimentperforms wireless connection to the information processing apparatus 100by using the Wi-Fi Direct®. The processing flow is executed by thecontrol unit 121 of the image processing apparatus 120.

In S701, when the image processing apparatus 120 is already wirelesslyconnected, the automatic setting control unit 222 of the imageprocessing apparatus 120 backs up the current SSID used for theconnection to the NVRAM 137. In S702, the automatic setting control unit222 performs the automatic setting processing of communicationparameters as described with reference to FIG. 3. Specifically, theautomatic setting control unit 222 acquires the WPS message set by thecommunication parameter setting unit 203 of the information processingapparatus 100 in the automatic setting processing of communicationparameter (F306) shown in FIG. 3. The “Model Name” and the “OS Version”of the information processing apparatus 100 are included in the WPSmessage.

In S703, the communication parameter analyzing unit 226 compares whetherthe Model Name and the OS Version acquired from the automatic settingcontrol unit 222 coincide with predefined character strings stored inthe storage unit. “Predefined character strings” denotes characterstrings indicating the specific information processing apparatus, andexamples of such character strings are “AbcSmartPhone”, “AbcOS1.0” andthe like. “Specific information processing apparatus” denotes aninformation processing apparatus having functions for connecting to theimage processing apparatus by means of the Wi-Fi Direct® function, andusing the image processing apparatus by means of the IPP-Print functionand the mDNS function.

In S704, when the communication parameter analyzing unit 226 determinesthat the Model Name and the OS Version do not coincide with thecharacter strings, the automatic setting control unit 222 terminatesprocessing. In S704, when the communication parameter analyzing unit 226determines that the Model Name and the OS Version coincide with thecharacter strings, the automatic setting control unit 222 backs up thecurrent IPP-Print setting to the NVRAM 137 of the image processingapparatus 120 in S705. In S706, the automatic setting control unit 222determines whether or not the IPP-Print function is enabled. When theIPP-Print function is disabled, the automatic setting control unit 222enables the IPP-Print function in S707. Next, in S708, the automaticsetting control unit 222 backs up the current mDNS setting to the NVRAM137 of the image processing apparatus 120. In S709, the automaticsetting control unit 222 determines whether or not the mDNS function isenabled. When the mDNS function is disabled, he automatic settingcontrol unit 222 enables the mDNS function in S710. Note that processingflow that is executed when the image processing apparatus 120 in thesecond embodiment disconnects the wireless connection to the informationprocessing apparatus 100 by using the Wi-Fi Direct® is the same as thatdescribed with reference to FIG. 5.

When the existing attributes (the Model Name and the OS Version)included in the WPS message received by the image processing apparatus120 coincide with the predefined values, the image processing apparatus120 enables the predetermined functions. Thus, unlike the firstembodiment, enabling processing is executed with further accuracybecause the image processing apparatus acquires detailed attributeinformation with respect to the information processing apparatus. Inaddition, the image processing apparatus can provide functionsconforming to individual information processing apparatuses, resultingin enhanced convenience. Although the information processing apparatuscan execute print processing by wireless communication based on acombination of the Model Name and the OS Version, the embodiment is notlimited thereto. For example, the print processing may be determinedbased on only the OS Version, or determined based on information otherthan the aforementioned two attributes.

(Third Embodiment)

Next, a configuration in which predetermined functions are enabled byuse of the WPS message will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG.9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. Note that FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are fordescribing operation flows performed on the operation unit 102 of theinformation processing apparatus 100, and these operation flows are acommon configuration in the first, second and third embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 8, a description will be given of vendorextension data included in a WPS message transmitted by the informationprocessing apparatus 100 in the third embodiment. The vendor extensiondata indicates custom attributes that can be included in the WPS messageby a device manufacturer. A user who operates the information processingapparatus 100 can customize attributes by adding information (such asIPP-PRINT=ON and mDNS=ON) to the vendor extension data. FIG. 8 indicatesvendor extension data added to the WPS message transmitted by theinformation processing apparatus 100 in the automatic setting processingof communication parameters(F306) described with reference to FIG. 6. A“vendor ID” (3 bytes) that is provided by the Internet Assigned NumbersAuthority (IANA) is stored in an attribute (801) region of vendorextension data. Data (0-1021 bytes) that consists of a Type-Length-Value(TLV) structure stored in a data (802) region.

With reference to FIG. 9, a description will be given of theTLV-structured data that is set in a vendor extended region and that isdescribed with reference to FIG. 8. Three types of attributes areexemplified in FIG. 9, in which the respective attributes indicate “useof an mDNS”, “use of an IPP-Print”, and “use of an IPP-Fax”. Therespective Type codes (902) are defined by “1001”, “1002”, and “1003”.The respective Length codes (903) of attributes are all 1 byte. Withrespect to the respective Value codes (904) of all attributes, “0x00”indicates “do not use”, and “0x01” indicates “use”.

With reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of operation flowin which a user performs a printing request to the image processingapparatus 120 with the information processing apparatus 100 of thepresent embodiment. Hereinbelow, the operation unit 102 and the displayunit 103 function as a display unit that displays a screen on which auser performs a printing request to the image processing apparatus, anddisplays the various screens shown in FIG. 10. By a user operation, thedisplay unit 103 of the information processing apparatus 100 displays animage display screen 1001 on which an image intended by the user isdisplayed. A menu key 1011 for operation on the image by the user isarranged on the image display screen 1001. When the user presses themenu key, the operation unit 102 detects the pressing, and the screentransits to a menu selection screen 1002. The user can select anintended operation on the image from among those on the menu 1012. Whenthe user wishes to print the image, a print key is pressed. The screentransits to a printer option screen 1003 upon the pressing of the printkey by the user.

The user can set print options including a printer selection, a copysetting and the like on the printer option screen 1003. When the userpresses the printer selection key 1013 on the printer option screen1003, the screen transits to a printer selection screen 1004 in casewhere the information processing apparatus 100 is already connecting tothe image processing apparatus 120 by the Wi-Fi Direct®. In case wherethe information processing apparatus 100 is not connecting to the imageprocessing apparatus 120, the screen transits to a printer selectionscreen 1006 on which a Wi-Fi Direct® key 1015 is displayed.

On the printer selection screen 1004, when the information processingapparatus 100 is currently connecting to the image processing apparatus120 by the Wi-Fi Direct®, the display unit 103 displays the screen 1004with an icon 1014 for clearly explaining that the information processingapparatus 100 is currently connecting to the image processing apparatus120 by the Wi-Fi Direct®. In the present embodiment, the imageprocessing apparatus 120 during connection is displayed with its name“MF5100”. When the user selects the MF5100, the screen transits to aprint screen 1005. A print key 1016 is displayed on the print screen1005. Upon the pressing of the print key 1016, the informationprocessing apparatus 100 transmits image data to the image processingapparatus 120 for printing.

When the screen transits to the printer selection screen 1006, thedisplay unit 103 also displays a Wi-Fi Direct® key 1015 in addition tothe printer name during connection. When Wi-Fi Direct® connection isinitiated by pressing of the Wi-Fi Direct® key 1015 by the user, thescreen transits to a screen 1007 that indicates Wi-Fi Direct® connectionis ongoing. After completion of Wi-Fi Direct® connection, when aconnection destination is the image processing apparatus 120, the screentransits to the print screen 1005 on which the image processingapparatus 120 remains selected.

That is, while the icon for clearly explaining that wireless connectionis ongoing by the Wi-Fi Direct® is displayed on the printer selectionscreen, a user can select the printer during Wi-Fi Direct® connection.When the image processing apparatus is not currently connecting to theimage processing apparatus by the Wi-Fi Direct®, the user providesinstruction for Wi-Fi Direct® connection through the printer selectionscreen so that the user can select the connected printer. In theaforementioned processing, the automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters described with reference to FIG. 3 is performedin response to pressing the printer selection key 1013, and the name ofthe image processing apparatus during connection is displayed on theprinter option screen 1003. Alternatively, an icon of the imageprocessing apparatus during connection may be displayed on the printeroption screen 1003. Alternatively, the automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters described with reference to FIG. 3 is performedin response to pressing the Wi-Fi Direct® key 1015 by the user.Alternatively, a configuration may be applied in which the imageprocessing apparatus 120 executes printing in response to selecting anintended image processing apparatus by the user on the printer selectionscreen 1004 without a display of the print screen 1005.

With reference to FIG. 11, a description will be given of operation flowin which a user performs a fax request with the information processingapparatus 100 in the present embodiment to thereby cause the imageprocessing apparatus 120 to fax. By a user operation, the display unit103 of the information processing apparatus 100 displays an imagedisplay screen 1101 on which an image intended by the user is displayed.A menu key 1111 for operation to the image by the user is arranged onthe image display screen 1101. When the user presses the menu key 1111,the screen transits to a menu selection screen 1102. The user can selectintended operation from among the menu 1112. When the user wishes tofax, a fax key is pressed. When the fax key is pressed, the screentransits to a fax option screen 1103. The user can set fax options suchas a printer selection or an image quality setting on the fax optionscreen 1103. When the user presses a printer selection key 1113 on thefax option screen 1103, the screen transits to a printer selectionscreen 1104 if the information processing apparatus 100 is beingconnected by Wi-Fi Direct®, and otherwise the screen transits to aprinter selection screen 1106. On the printer selection screen 1104,when the information processing apparatus 100 is currently connecting tothe image processing apparatus 120 by the Wi-Fi Direct®, the displayunit 103 displays the printer selection screen 1104 on which an icon1114 for clearly explaining that the information processing apparatus iscurrently connecting to the image processing apparatus 120 is added. Inthe present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 120 is displayedwith its name “MF5100”. When the user selects the “MF5100”, the screentransits to a fax option screen 1105. A fax key 1116 is displayed on thefax option screen 1105. When the fax key 1116 is pressed, theinformation processing apparatus 100 transmits image data to the imageprocessing apparatus 120 for a fax.

When the screen transits to the printer selection screen 1106, thedisplay unit 103 also displays a Wi-Fi Direct® key 1115 in addition toone or more printers during connection or connectable printers. WhenWi-Fi Direct® connection is initiated by pressing the Wi-Fi Direct® key1115 by the user, the screen transits to a screen 1107 that indicatesWi-Fi Direct® connection is ongoing. After completion of Wi-Fi Direct®connection, when the connection destination is the image processingapparatus 120 the screen transits to the fax option screen 1105 on whichthe image processing apparatus 120 remains selected.

That is, the user can select the printer already during Wi-Fi Directconnection if available on the printer selection screen. When theinformation processing is not connecting to the image processingapparatus by the Wi-Fi Direct®, the user instructs Wi-Fi Direct®connection on the fax selection screen so that the user can select theconnected printer.

With reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of processingflow when the information processing apparatus 100 of the presentembodiment performs wireless connection to the image processingapparatus 120 by using Wi-Fi Direct®. The processing flow is executed bythe information processing apparatus 100 when the Wi-Fi Direct® key 1015or 1115 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 is pressed. In S1201, the automaticsetting control unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 100determines the last user operation. Specifically, the last useroperation means an operation selected by the user on the menu selectionscreen 1012 or 1112 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. When the user selectsa print key, the processing advances to S1202. In S1202, thecommunication parameter setting unit 203 sets the “use of mDNS”attribute and the “IPP-Print” attribute to “use” in the WPS messagedescribed with reference FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Also, when the user selectsa fax key, the processing advances to S1203. In S1203 the communicationparameter setting unit 203 sets the “use of mDNS” attribute and the“IPP-Fax” attribute to “use” in the WPS message described with referenceFIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Next, in S1204, the WPS message is transmitted to theimage processing apparatus and the automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters by using the WPS message in which vendorextension data is set is performed.

With reference to FIG. 13, a description of processing flow when theimage processing apparatus 120 in the present embodiment performswireless connection to the information processing apparatus 100 by theWi-Fi Direct®. The processing flow is executed by the control unit 121of the image processing apparatus 120.

When the image processing apparatus 120 is already performing wirelessconnection in S1301, the automatic setting control unit 222 backs upcurrently used SSID for connection to the NVRAM 137 of the imageprocessing apparatus 120. In S1302, the communication parameterautoconfiguration unit 221 performs the automatic setting processing ofcommunication parameters described with reference to FIG. 3. In theautomatic setting processing of communication parameter (F306) shown inFIG. 3, the automatic setting control unit 222 acquires vendor extensiondata included in the WPS message from the automatic setting control unit202 of the information processing apparatus 100. In S1303, thecommunication parameter analyzing unit 226 of the image processingapparatus 120 acquires vendor extension data from the automatic settingcontrol unit 222 and analyzes it. The automatic setting control unit 222acquires each value set in “use of mDNS”, “use of IPP-Print” and “use ofIPP-Fax” described with reference to FIG. 9 from the communicationparameter analyzing unit 226.

When the communication parameter analyzing unit 226 determines that“use” is set in the “mDNS” attribute in S1304, the processing advancesto S1305. Otherwise the processing advances to S1308. In S1305, theautomatic setting control unit 222 backs up the current mDNS setting tothe NVRAM 137 of the image processing apparatus 120. In S1306, theautomatic setting control unit 222 determines whether or not the mDNSfunction is enabled, and enables the mDNS function when it is disabled.

Next, when the communication parameter analyzing unit 226 determinesthat “use” is set in the “IPP-Print” attribute in S1308, the processingadvances to S1309. Otherwise, the processing advances to S1312. InS1309, the automatic setting control unit 222 backs up the currentIPP-Print setting to the NVRAM 137 of the image processing apparatus120. In S1310, the automatic setting control unit 222 determines whetheror not the IPP-Print function is enabled, and enables the IPP-Printfunction when it is disabled.

Next, the communication parameter analyzing unit 226 determines that“use” is set in an “IPP-Fax” attribute in S1312, and the processingadvances to S1313. Otherwise, the processing is terminated. In S1313,the automatic setting control unit 222 backs up the current IPP-Faxsetting to the NVRAM 137 of the image processing apparatus 120. InS1314, the automatic setting control unit 222 determines whether or notthe IPP-Fax function is enabled, and enables the IPP-Fax function whenit is disabled.

Processing in which the image processing apparatus 120 of the presentembodiment disconnects the wireless connection to the informationprocessing apparatus 100 by the Wi-Fi Direct®, and resumes wirelessconnection to the originally connected access point is identical to thatdescribed with reference to FIG. 5. In the processing flow of thepresent embodiment, processing for returning the IPP-Fax function to thesetting to which the function has been backed up is added to theprocessing flow described with reference to FIG. 5.

Also, in the present embodiment, the embodiment is described in casewhere attributes indicating “use of mDNS”, “use of IPP-Print”, and “useof IPP-Print” are included in vendor extension data. A configuration maybe attempted in which the information processing apparatus 100 notifiesthe image processing apparatus 120 about a “user ID” and a “password” inan IPP authentication as vendor extension data in addition to theattributes. In general, the IPP authentication is performed for eachprint job. However, a configuration may be attempted in which the imageprocessing apparatus 120 does not perform the IPP authentication on thesecond and subsequent print jobs when the information processingapparatus 100 has provided notification about the “user ID” and the“password”. With the aforementioned configuration, the processing loadis reduced, resulting in an enhancement of processing speed.

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of asystem or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out andexecutes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functionsof the above-described embodiments, and by a method, the steps of whichare performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for example,reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device toperform the functions of the above-described embodiments. For thispurpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via anetwork or from a recording medium of various types serving as thememory device (e.g., computer-readable medium).

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2012-150193 filed Jul. 4, 2012, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus that is capable ofcommunicating with an information processing apparatus by wirelesscommunication, the image processing apparatus comprising: a wirelesscommunication unit configured to directly communicate with theinformation processing apparatus by wireless communication withoutpassing through an access point; a providing unit configured to providea service in which image processing is executed in response to an imageprocessing request transmitted from the information processing apparatusvia the wireless communication unit; and an enabling unit configured toenable a setting in the image processing and that is used for providingthe service, wherein, in the information processing apparatus, if thereis no image processing apparatus that direct and wireless communicationis established, a selection screen which includes a key to display animage processing apparatus name and a key to directly and wirelesslycommunicate with the image processing apparatus that corresponds to theimage processing apparatus name is displayed, and when the wirelesscommunication unit establishes the direct and wireless communicationbetween the image processing apparatus and the information processingapparatus in response to pressing the key to directly and wirelesslycommunicate, the enabling unit enables the setting that is used forproviding the service if the setting is not enabled and wherein, ifthere is image processing apparatus that the direct and wirelesscommunication is established, the selection screen is displayed, whichincludes the key to display the image processing apparatus name and asymbol for explaining that the direct and wireless communication isestablished between the image processing apparatus among the imageprocessing apparatuses that the names are displayed, and the enablingunit is controlled not to enable the setting.
 2. The image processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unitsearches for the information processing apparatus for which a wirelesscommunication setting is enabled, and receives identificationinformation, from the searched information processing apparatus, foridentifying the information processing apparatus, wherein the enablingunit enables the setting that is used for providing the service when theidentification information coincides with identification informationstored in a storage unit of the image processing apparatus by analyzingthe received identification information, wherein the wirelesscommunication unit establishes wireless communication when the settingis enabled, and wherein the providing unit provides the image processingservice when the setting is enabled and wireless communication isestablished.
 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the wireless communication unit searches for the informationprocessing apparatus of which a wireless communication setting isenabled, and receives identification information, from the searchedinformation processing apparatus, for identifying the informationprocessing apparatus, and when wireless communication is establishedbased on the identification information, the wireless communication unitfurther receives attribute information of the information processingapparatus from the information processing apparatus, wherein theenabling unit enables the setting that is used for providing the servicewhen the attribute information coincides with attribute informationstored in a storage unit of the image processing apparatus by analyzingthe received attribute information, and wherein the providing unitprovides the image processing service when the setting is enabled andwireless communication is established.
 4. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the attribute information further includesone or more attributes relating to the setting that is used forproviding the service, and wherein the enabling unit analyzes the eachattribute so as to enable the setting when the attribute is used forproviding the service, and not to enable the setting when the attributeis not used for providing the service.
 5. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the attribute relating to the setting thatis used for providing the service is a setting in which the wirelesscommunication unit responds to the image processing apparatus uponreceipt of a search request for the image processing apparatus that iscapable of communicating by wireless communication, or a setting inwhich the enabling unit sets a type of image processing executed by theimage processing apparatus.
 6. The image processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein when the information processing apparatusestablishes wireless communication, the wireless communication unitinterrupts communication with the access point after storingidentification information for connecting to the access point in thestorage, and communicates with only the information processing apparatusby interrupting the communication with the access point, and whereinwhen the information processing apparatus removes the wirelesscommunication setting, the wireless communication unit acquires theidentification information for connecting to the access point from thestorage unit, and resumes the communication with the access point basedon the acquired identification information.
 7. The image processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein a security function that is usedfor communicating with a plurality of the information processingapparatuses is set in the setting that is used for providing theservice, and wherein the providing unit provides the service with theinformation processing apparatus without using the security function aslong as wireless communication with the information processing apparatusis established.
 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the service in which image processing is executed includes atleast print processing or fax processing.
 9. A method for controlling animage processing apparatus that is capable of communicating with aninformation processing apparatus by wireless communication, the methodcomprising: directly communicating with the information processingapparatus by wireless communication without passing through an accesspoint; providing a service in which image processing is executed inresponse to an image processing request transmitted from the informationprocessing apparatus in the wireless communication step; and enabling asetting in the image processing apparatus and that is used for providingthe service, wherein, in the information processing apparatus, if thereis no image processing apparatus that direct and wireless communicationis established, a selection screen which includes a key to display animage processing apparatus name and a key to directly and wirelesslycommunicate with the image processing apparatus that corresponds to theimage processing apparatus name is displayed, and when direct andwireless communication is established, in the wireless communicationstep, between the image processing apparatus and the informationprocessing apparatus in response to pressing the key to directly andwirelessly communicate, the setting that is used for providing theservice in the enabling step is enabled if the setting is not enabled,and wherein, if there is image processing apparatus that the direct andwireless communication is established, the selection screen isdisplayed, which includes the key to display the image processingapparatus name and a symbol for explaining that the direct and wirelesscommunication is established between the image processing apparatusamong the image processing apparatuses that the names are displayed, andit is controlled not to enable the setting.
 10. A non-transitory storagemedium on which is stored a computer program for making a computerexecute a method for controlling an image processing apparatus that iscapable of communicating with an information processing apparatus bywireless communication, the method comprising: directly communicatingwith the information processing apparatus by wireless communicationwithout passing through an access point; providing a service in whichimage processing is executed in response to an image processing requesttransmitted from the information processing apparatus in the wirelesscommunication step; and enabling a setting in the image processingapparatus and that is used for providing the service, wherein in theinformation processing apparatus, if there is no image processingapparatus that direct and wireless communication is established, aselection screen which includes a key to display an image processingapparatus name and a key to directly and wirelessly communicate with theimage processing apparatus that corresponds to the image processingapparatus name is displayed, and when the direct and wirelesscommunication is established, in the wireless communication step,between the image processing apparatus and the information processingapparatus in response to pressing the key to directly and wirelesslycommunicate, the setting that is used for providing the service in theenabling step is enabled if the setting is not enabled, and wherein, ifthere is image processing apparatus that the direct and wirelesscommunication is established, the selection screen is displayed, whichincludes the key to display the image processing apparatus name and asymbol for explaining that the direct and wireless communication isestablished between the image processing apparatus among the imageprocessing apparatuses that the names are displayed, and it iscontrolled not to enable the setting.